Category: Author Interview

Posted on

Interview with author Erich Hartung

Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.

A: I work as a high school English teacher and am also a member of the Navy Reserve with over twenty years of service, including time spent in Iraq and Afghanistan. Writing has always been a passion of mine, and I frequently come up with story ideas. I have been writing since my own days in high school. My personal life is fulfilling as well – I am happily married and have two children.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Terror in the Woods”?

A: In mid-2021, I began this project and faced two major challenges. Firstly, I struggled to find time between my two jobs and family commitments. Secondly, I had to deal with writer’s block.

Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

A: I am a huge fan of Tom Clancy (The Hunt for Red October), Jeff Shaara (Gods and Generals), and Jack Carr (The Terminal List). Each of those authors is extremely gifted in telling a story and painting a picture to the reader’s imagination. While I try to use my own ideas to create a story, I find myself using many of their styles in my writing.

Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

A: As a child, I enjoyed visiting Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, because of the rich heritage that place has. Our nation was plagued with a Civil War from 1861-1865, leaving the future of our country doubting if we could remain a unified nation. The battle of Gettysburg was a turning point for the Union during the war, which many historians believe was the beginning of the end for the Confederacy. Even now when I get the chance to take my kids to the battlefield, I find it important for them to have fun at the National Park and learn our country’s history.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘Terror in the Woods’?

A: I am intrigued by mysterious phenomena that are not yet fully understood. One such topic that has caught my attention is the existence of Bigfoot or Sasquatch, which has been reported by numerous eyewitnesses and featured in documentaries on YouTube and the Travel Channel. Although I am somewhat skeptical of some of the accounts, I remain open-minded and have developed my own theories about these creatures. Recently, I wrote a story about military veterans facing a terrifying ordeal in the woods, which I found to be a compelling and entertaining concept.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Terror in the Woods’?

A: From start to finish, it took about two years.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A: Right now, Terror in the Woods is exclusively on Amazon. It is available as a Kindle eBook and paperback.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Terror in the Woods’?

A: I wished to utilize cover art that could capture the audience’s attention without revealing the nature of the terror. The woods have the ability to be both calming and eerie, as we relish the seclusion of the natural world while simultaneously being haunted by the concept of the unknown.

Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

A: In 2017, I wrote a lengthy novel that I was very proud of. However, I soon realized that the storyline was too complex with too many characters, spanning nearly 600 pages. Reflecting on this, I realized that it may have been too overwhelming for readers. I wanted my next book to be different – fun and easy to read, with a limited cast of just four or five characters. To keep it fresh and exciting, I aimed for suspense, action, and a quick pace. So far, the feedback I’ve received has been more positive than my previous book. I have already received questions asking if I was going to do a sequel.

Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?

A: Interestingly, my English teacher in high school always encouraged me to tap into my imagination and write. Now that I am an English teacher myself, I continually inspire my students to utilize their creative talents and writing skills. I have integrated writing assignments into my curriculum, and the majority of my students find it enjoyable.

Terror in the Woods: When Nightmares Become Reality on Amazon

Posted on

Interview with author Bob Kelly

Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.

Hello Readers! My name is Bob Kelly. I grew up in the great city of Chicago living on the city’s West Side until age 13. At that time we moved to the North Shore suburb of Glencoe where I attended New Trier East High School.. I have always loved sports and as a kid via played youth football and basketball. I carried that on to New Trier where I played basketball and was voted Captain my senior year.

I attended the University of Wisconsin earning a degree in English Literature and then Chicago-Kent School of Law graduating with a J.D. Before beginning law school I worked several different jobs including selling athletic apparel, bartending and coaching professional basketball in Austria.

In 1985 I had a child with my live in girlfriend and seven weeks later we moved from Evanston to Upstate New York to be near her family because her father was about to undergo quadruple bypass surgery. My expectation was that we would return to the Chicago area but when she decided to stay in New York I stayed with her. I was not about to leave my infant son, Morgan. Since I did not have a law license in New York, my choice of jobs in rural Upstate included substitute teaching, coaching junior high basketball and bartending. Throughout this time I wrote several novels and a couple of screen plays.

Just before my son turned seven I became a single father. We moved into a one bedroom apartment and while I kept working as a server at night and began preparing to take the New York Bar Exam. I couldn’t afford the classes but was able to purchase the basic outlines. So, thirteen years after graduating fro law school I sat for the two day New York Bar Exam.

Fortunately, I passed and was able to begin a solo practice after being sworn in on June 21, 1994. The fastest way for me to get started was to jump into criminal defense representing indigent defendants and representing children in Family Court. I continued to do that until June 1, 2023.

However, in May of 2020 while the courts were closed due to COVI and my son no longer with me I decided it was now ornerier to pursue my dream of becoming a writer.

I had developed my focus which was to write about my hometown of Chicago was like currently while touching on its essence that had made me love it as a child and young man. my idea was to use young vibrant contemporary people involved with the most basic and dynamic inner workings of the city. Thus Jack Fallon and Elaina Rodriguez were born.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Chicago Detective Jack Fallon in the Mystery of the Exotic Escort Murders”?

Since I had not lived in Chicago in such a long time and only visited a couple of times a year I decide that I needed to spend more time in the city and keep up with current events daily. So, I subscribed to the Chicago Tribune and began visiting four and then six and now eight times a year. My actual physical presence in Chicago has been crucial to my ability to write about it.

Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

Honestly, I was a voracious reader since around 5th grade when my reading level was already that of a 12th grader. I think it was the “Adventures of Marco Polo” that first got me hooked. I then started ready every adventure and mystery story I could find.

In college my exposure to the great novelists such as William Faulkner, F. Scott Fitzgerald and many others was challenging and enriching. Everything from Shakespeare to James Joyce to Kurt Vonnegut was fascinating to me. I never stopped enjoying the stories of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and during one winter spent in Denmark without a television I read more than 40 Nero Wolfe mysteries, Lord of the Rings and several historical fictions my Morgan Llywelyn among others.

More recently, I have particularly enjoyed reading stories by John Grisham and Stephen King. But, during much of my time as a single parent and lawyer I did not read or write much for fun.

Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

Right now my favorite place to visit in America is Chicago. The city is so dynamic and diverse that there are always new things to discover. However, I am always drawn to Lake Michigan. I love to be near it in the parks and on the beaches.During the summer I swim in the lake whenever I can.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘Chicago Detective Jack Fallon in the Mystery of the Exotic Escort Murders’?

My desire to connect with Chicago as it currently lives and breathes inspired me to create characters who express the particular qualities of the people experiencing it every day. My feeling is that while so many things have changed over the years there are intrinsic characteristics of Chicago people that have remained the same.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Chicago Detective Jack Fallon in the Mystery of the Exotic Escort Murders’?

The writing of the first full draft of the story of “Chicago Detective Jack Fallon in the Mystery of the Exotic Escort Murders” took three and a half months. The editing process added another six months.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

My first book the Mystery of the Exotic Escort Murders was published by Austin Macauley and is available o Amazon and Barnes&Noble in print and ebook. Amazon Audibles offers an audiobook.

My next book due out some time in August titled “Chicago Detective Jack Fallon in the Mystery of the Egg of Chaos” will be self published and will be available in print and ebook at Amazon and Barnes&Noble. The audio book will be available on Amazon Audibles in September.

My third book, “Chicago Detective Jack Fallon in the Mystery of the Legally Dead” should be out in November.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Chicago Detective Jack Fallon in the Mystery of the Exotic Escort Murders’?

The titles for my books so far have all been solely my ideas. I told Austin Macauley what I wanted asa cover and they did a great job with it.

Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

I have a concept for the story and then it develops over time even while I am still working on another story. When I am finished with the previous one and have a clear idea of the first chapter and general direction of the ending I begin writing. So much of the story is created during the writing that everything is always fresh and fun.

Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?

I really do not have one specific teacher, mentor or piece of advice to refer to. For me the single most important thing that changed from when I began writing to when I started up again in 2020 was that I had lived and experienced a lot more. I purposely have not tried to copy any other writer or writing style.

Buy Chicago Detective Jack Fallon in the Mystery of the Exotic Escort Murders on Amazon

Posted on

Interview with author Marcus Hurst

Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.

It was in 1992 that my story began,
And the title of Marcus Hurst filled the naming demand.
Pennsylvania was the place where our family was raised, And milking the cows is how we spent our days.
Eight siblings I have, which has brought many joys, Two sisters I’ve got—the rest us are all boys.

While in my early teens 80 songs that I knew I stuck in my brain where they all stood in queue,
And then I would sing them while doing my chores And driving the tractors in fields out of doors.

My first job I got at the age of nineteen, And teaching at school had become my routine. Grades seventh and sixth I had taught from my stool, There at West Cocalico Mennonite School.

Then, at a bicycle shop, I had started, To work on those bikes was the course to be charted.
And Red Rock Refuge became my career, To help teenage boys their bad habits to clear.

The framing of houses I did for a year, And then I went back to my teaching career. At a small country school called Limestone Valley,
I helped fourteen students, their numbers to tally. For the last four years I run a workshop for boys
Who are blind or are mentally handicapped joys. As much as I can, I work at my writing, Right now I find poems especially exciting.

(It was during the shutdown, in 2020, A change came over me that puzzled me plenty; It was one morning, from the minute I woke
That rhymes did appear in the things that I spoke. A spontaneous poet I have been ever since,
Though that fact never made me any more of a prince. And now that I find myself being a poet, I decided I might as well practice to grow it.
So, with rhymes I cope, and I haven’t lost hope For it is quite amazing, I find, To tune ears and brain, whether dry or in rain, And behold what rolls out of my mind.
[When I mention this rhyming, I do not mean to boast;
I’m just sharing the story of my recent diagnose.])

Additionally, if folks do not bristle too soon, I often instinctively whistle a tune. I’m also a singer, of low parts and high, And composing of music is something I try.
I find it hard to believe, but it’s true now I say. There are 40 some songs I’ve helped write in some way.

My passion in life, that I refuse now to waive, Is to help other people find the fulfillment they crave. (And whether or not it may sound rather funny, Lasting satisfaction is not found in money. Although monetarily I am actually quite poor
I find I am satisfied, of that I am sure.)

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “The Contentment Dilemma”?

Well, my mind goes to a paragraph from the 2nd chapter of the book, that address that question:
“I have ample evidence that Satan despises this book. He did his best to distract and discourage me from completing it by instigating a horrible mental sensation that used to bother me when I worked on my writing projects. Satan would have gotten me to give up writing if God had not heard my cry for deliverance and made him stop it.”
Besides that, God has been very faithful at helping me write the book. My greatest challenges have been with getting the book published.

Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

The Holy Bible has been my greatest influencer.
Other books that have helped shape this book are: Mere Christianity, by C. S. Lewis; Impressions, by Martin Wells Knapp; Surprised by Faith, by Dr. Don Bierle; and The Case for Faith, by Lee Strobel

Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

Upon some thinking I have concluded that my favorite spot in America is my home in Buffalo Valley. I have traveled throughout the lower 48 states, and the best part of each trip had always been getting home again.
Besides that, I enjoy camping in the wilds of north central Pennsylvania with my friends. I have many precious memories of star gazing, seeing bear, and kayaking the West Branch Susquehanna River.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘The Contentment Dilemma’?

It was God that got after me to write this book and coached me through the numerous phases of its creation. My personal experience,. of locating peace of mind when I surrendered my life to God, has also been a motivator for me to get this book published and aid others at locating that peace of mind.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘The Contentment Dilemma’?

The book started as an article that I wrote as a teenager, and at the age of 24 I added a few chapters to it and got the idea of making a book out of it. It took another seven years till this fourth edition of the manuscript got published.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

This book is currently available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and bookshop.org, among other places books are sold.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘The Contentment Dilemma’?

For the title, I made a list of all the potential titles I could think of, over the course of a few months. Then I crossed out the ones that I didn’t like, and narrowed it down to two or three different ones. I got opinions from friends and kept thinking about it for a few weeks till it finally became obvious that The Contentment Dilemma was going to be the one.
The book cover was professionally designed by Jude Mag-asin, and was the obvious choose of the two options he presented to me; and he sure did an amazing job.

Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

I spent hours upon hours contemplating about the book in God’s presence, and He provided untold amounts of encouragement and advice. Many times when I came across a specific issue with how to word something, a phenomenal solution suddenly came to mind as soon as I prayed about it; and there where times it happen the very second I decided I will need to seek God’s advice. (I share a few of these stories in the book.)
Of a surety, without God’s divine aid this manuscript would not be worth reading.

Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?

“Don’t give up. If it is worth writing it will be hard work, but it certainly will be worth the effort.”

Buy The Contentment Dilemma on Amazon

Posted on

Interview with author Elijah Lewis

Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.

My name is Elijah Lewis. I am from Baltimore, MD. In addition to being an author and motivational speaker, I am an engineer with NAVSEA in Indian Head, MD. I am also a graduate of Tuskegee and Morgan State University. Some of my hobbies would be playing basketball, meditation, and spending time with family and friends, just to name a few.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Your Jewels are in your journey”?

Honestly, there weren’t too many key challenges that I faced in writing “Your Jewels are in Your Journey”. When my publisher and I met to begin the process of writing “Your Jewels are in Your Journey”, he laid out the outline of how to write my book that was very simple to follow. I really thought that was beneficial for a first-time author and I had the benefit of having someone who’s written seven books himself give me excellent advice in the writing process. Thankfully, I didn’t have to go through too much writer’s block.

However, I would say that real key challenges in writing my book would be having to write about certain life experiences that I haven’t shared with a lot of people. I say that because sometimes when you go through painful experiences, you think as time goes on, those experiences don’t affect you anymore. You kind of get the attitude of “well, that happened a long time ago, I’m good. That doesn’t bother me anymore.” However, when you sit down and write about those experiences, you realize those experiences played a big role in where you are today and actually you realize that maybe I haven’t fully healed from those experiences as I thought I did. In fact, writing about certain experiences in my book, such as having your heart broken from someone you care about, or the challenges I went through in high school made me realize that. However, I would say that writing my book was very therapeutic because it allowed me to release the pain of those experiences and put them on paper. Although I felt as though I had to go back to the place of pain to write the book, I do believe the best art can come from pain because pain is something we all have to go through. In the end, I would say chapters 4 and 5 were the most difficult to write for me and I’m sure anyone who reads my book, will understand why.

Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

I would say the books or authors that have most influenced my writing are “The Autobiography of Malcolm X” and the Bible. I say “The Autobiography of Malcolm X” because when you study Malcolm X’s life, you see a how a person can evolve from the absolute worst to the absolute best. If I had to sum up Malcolm’s life in one sentence, it would be it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish. In fact, I remember when my father first made read his autobiography and it was very inspiring actually. The timing actually couldn’t have been better as I was going through my own struggles in high school. I admire the fact that Malcolm could go from a high school dropout and a life of crime to one of the greatest leaders in human history. In the end, we all love a good comeback story. Now I would never compare myself to Malcolm, nor my book to his autobiography, but I could make the argument that his life was the original “Your Jewels are in Your Journey” if you will. He definitely had to go through a lot of life lessons to be his optimal self. If you haven’t read his autobiography, I would recommend it.

I say the Bible because of the wisdom that is in it. In fact, I reference quite a few scriptures in my book to highlight certain chapters. Of course, I am not trying to promote any particular religious path, but my goal is that regardless of the reader’s beliefs, he or she can take in the wisdom and apply it to the journey of their spiritual path, whatever that looks like to him or her. Plus, I will say growing up I spent a lot of time reading the Bible and I actually dive into my religious upbringing, which I think readers will find very interesting and surprising. So, you definitely want to get your copy of my book and check that out for yourself.

Finally, I will say music has influenced my writing because there are certain artists, in which I quote their music to emphasize the jewel that I want to bring out in my book. While writing the book I listened to a lot of music. It helps the writing process along the way and gets the creative juices flowing.

Q4. What’s your favorite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

My favorite place to visit in the United States would have to be Orlando, FL. What makes Orlando special to me is that there are so many activities you can do there. For me, I love adventure and theme parks. Orlando allows you to do both, whether it’s going to Icon Park, Universal Studios, or Disney World, etc. It sort of brings out the inner child in me. I’ve been there three times and have enjoyed every trip, especially the last two because I went with my best friend since elementary school. Hopefully, I’ll be able to visit Orlando again soon! Plus, they’re going to have some new rides at some of their amusement parks and they have built a lot of property down there too.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘Your Jewels are in your journey’?

It’s funny because prior to me writing “Your Jewels are in Your Journey”, I had no intention of being an author. I honestly didn’t think I had what it took to write a book. What led to me being an author was that in September 2022, I went to the Level Up Black Empowerment Expo in Waldorf, MD and there I met my publisher, Matthew C. Horne. I bought two of his books and the lady who was at his table told me to come back and he’ll sign my book. So, I came back and Matthew signed my two books. Then he asks me, “Brother, you ever think about writing a book? You look like you got something on your mind.”

Honestly, the answer in my head was no, but I said I would consider it. We exchanged numbers and followed each other on Instagram. I said I would let him know by Wednesday, my decision. I kept thinking about my life experiences and the lessons that I have learned from them and I figured that this opportunity would be great for me and other people. So, I let him know Wednesday, we met that Friday and signed the contract. It’s one of those scenarios where someone sees more in you than you do yourself. For me, just the opportunity to give guidance to people is the ultimate inspiration. Booker T. Washington said it best, “If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.” That’s what led to “Your Jewels are in Your Journey”.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Your Jewels are in your journey’?

6 months, I started in October 2022 and finished in March 2023.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

Readers can buy my book on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and my website (www.yourjewelsareinyourjourney.com).

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Your Jewels are in your journey’?

For the book cover, I knew I wanted to put a jewel on the cover to grab the reader’s attention. Of course, a diamond is arguably the best jewel of all. Whenever you find a jewel, it usually grabs your attention. The road on book cover represents the journey that we all take in life and on the road of life, we usually find many jewels along the way. The sign “JOURNEY 1,000 miles” is an ode to the saying, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step” by Lao Tzu. In the end, I wanted a book cover that encapsulates that message of the reader finding jewels along his/her journey because after all, a picture is worth a thousand words. Like I always tell everyone, we all have a journey to travel on in this thing called life.

As far as coming up with the title “Your Jewels Are in Your Journey”, I have to give credit to Matthew on that. I had thought of thirteen book titles on my own, but to be honest, none of them really stood out to capture the interest of the reader. When Matthew and I met, he wrote the title on a piece of paper and asked my opinion of the title. Soon as I saw it, I knew that was the perfect title. In fact, the title of the book, made the book cover a lot easier to make. In the end, as you go through life, you’re going to find many life lessons along the way.

Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

To keep things fresh for both my readers and myself, I trying to write my book as if we’re having a conversation with each other. My goal of writing my book is to talk to my reader and not down on my reader. I ultimately want to mention life experiences that are relatable and capture the readers’ interest to the point where they don’t want to put the book down. Ultimately, I want my book to different from other self-help books by balancing being serious and humor about my life and the lessons we all need to learn.

I also try to keep things fresh by quoting various sources and people. So, on one hand, I can quote a different book to summarize the jewel I want to highlight and on the other hand, I may use lyrics from a song to do the same thing. When it comes to people, I may quote historical figures, but also celebrities. The bottom line it shows the reader that they can get inspiration from anyone or anything.

Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?

The most valuable piece of advice I’ve been given about writing is “Don’t consider your reader, consider yourself” by Matthew. The way that I interpret that piece of advice is that you should write something that you would want to read. In other words, if you’re writing something just to sound good to your readers, but in reality, you have no interest in it yourself, then you shouldn’t write about it. Smart people know when a person is just throwing something against the wall, hoping that it sticks. They also know when the writer took genuine time and effort in his/her work to display the message they want to convey. That’s my advice to anyone getting into writing, find something that you’re passionate about that you want to write. It doesn’t matter if it’s fiction, non-fiction, a children’s book, etc. If you have an interest in it, go for it. If not, don’t waste your time. In the end, the right people will show up to read your book because if you build they will come or in this case, if you write it, they will read it.

Your Jewels Are in Your Journey on Amazon

Posted on

Interview with author Verlaine Crawford

Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.

Hello, I am Verlaine Crawford, Ph.D. I am an Intuitive, Transformational Coach, Inspirational Speaker, and #1 U.S. and an International Best-Selling Author. From 1990 to 2010, I was invited to teach personal growth and spiritual development in Japan, Hong Kong, Australia, Bali, Europe, and across the U.S. I am honored to be included in the soon-to-be-published book, The 100 Most Inspirational Women in the World.

My fifth book, The Power of Wholeness: Discover A More Fulfilling, Successful, and Rewarding Life reveals the most important self-improvement technique I have ever used, the Infusion Integration Process. I created this process to release our subconscious blocks and integrate opposing core beliefs. This Integration process opened the door to a magical life for me and many others around the world.

My previous books are:
Ø Emotional Healing: Experience Balance and Self-Empowerment in an Age of Rapid Change
Ø The Heart of Transformation and the Butterfly Effect
Ø Daughter of God: Angelic Messages of Wisdom and Love (Poetry)
Ø Ending the Battle Within: How to Create a Harmonious Life by Working With Your Subpersonalities.
Ø I also edited and my company, High Castle Publishing, produced a 12-awards-winning fantasy, inspirational adventure novel, Portals in Time: The Quest for Un-Old-Age, and The Alchemy of the Seven Harmonies by John Teressi.

During my 40-year marketing career, I had the opportunity to be the first woman Vice President of a high-tech company in Silicon Valley and then helped create two more software start-ups. I served as V.P. Marketing and consultant for a variety of companies and non-profit organizations, including AT&T, The Lodge at Pebble Beach, The Queen Mary Project, The International Paper Company, Bank of America, Humana, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, The American Cancer Society, and The AIDS Services Foundation of Orange County, plus serving as Executive Director of the Chambers of Commerce in the City of Seaside on the Monterey Peninsula, San Juan Capistrano, and Laguna Beach.

I have been with my loving. life partner for fifty-four years with a brief separation of fifteen years. We reunited again twenty years ago. I thank the wonder of the Power of Wholeness and my connection to Universal Consciousness (God, Goddess, All That Is) for great health, comfortable abundance, lots of love, and the opportunity to use my creative self-expression to create a wonderful life.

There were plenty of challenges, especially physically, such as cutting my feet in a lawn mower when I was twelve. My brother and I were mowing, and I didn’t know he was behind me, I turned around and walked into his mower, cutting the top of my left foot and removing my little toe on the right foot. I was laid up for a year.

The other was a near-death experience when I was twenty-seven in 1971. I was walking across a small room with two doors and two elevators in an underground parking garage. This was under a 15-story building on Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles, where I was Chief Copywriter for an ad agency. A man in a guard uniform walked past me, and a voice in my head (intuition) said, “Run!” I argued, “Why should I run? It’s late. I don’t want to run.” The man grabbed me around the neck with a knife at my throat. He started pushing me toward the other door. One of the elevators went “Ding!” The doors opened and two men stepped out. The assailant transferred the knife to my back and stabbed me. The two men, who were lawyers, pulled me into the elevator, my lung collapsed, and I slumped to the floor. Obviously, the doctors were able to save me. I developed PTSD, and fear filled my heart.

The Infusion Integration Process set me free. I was able to transform my internal core beliefs and clear the way to go forward by understanding how our beliefs create our reality. I am excited to celebrate my eightieth trip around the sun on December 9th!

The information about how you can create a new way of being is all outlined in The Power of Wholeness book, and I work with people individually to clear the past, shift beliefs, and help you manifest your heart’s desires.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “The Power of Wholeness”?

The Key Challenge was I thought I simply wanted to update and reprint my book, Ending the Battle Within, because it contained a full explanation of the Infusion Integration Process. It was published in 1994, the floppy no longer worked, and I didn’t have the original manuscript. So, I needed to take the book apart, scan each page into my computer and place the manuscript, page by page, into a PDF program that allows you to edit pages.

Then I began editing and reformatting to bring the book up to date. Very quickly, I realized that I was rewriting the book. I had so much to say, add, and delete. The book was becoming its own representation of what I wanted to say. I meditated and asked for guidance as the message became deeper and more encompassing. Thus, it transformed into The Power of Wholeness.

Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

I have read hundreds, if not thousands of books, including novels, biographies, science and science fiction, the religions of the world, spiritual awakening and self-help. The books that have most influenced my thinking and my life are as follows:

Ø As A Man Thinketh – James Allen. It began my understanding of thoughts creating reality and started my search for answers about why don’t we always manifest our desires completely? What is stopping us?
Ø Seth Speaks and The Nature of Personal Reality – Jane Roberts. These books have so many answers about the “How” we create.
Ø One Mind – Larry Dossey, M.D.
Ø A Course in Miracles – A Foundation for Inner Peace
Ø The Book of Secrets – Osho (And many of his other books.)
Ø Autobiography of a Yogi (Self-Realization Fellowship) by Paramahansa Yogananda
Ø Circle of Doors, a Novel – Ranse Parker
Ø Portals in Time: The Quest for Un-Old-Age – John Teressi

Q4. What’s your favorite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

My favorite spot in the United States is Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. I moved to Carmel when I was fifteen years old with my Mom and brother and attended Carmel High School. It is a beautiful, English-style village with a large, white sandy beach and lovely Cypress trees along the shore. That is where I began writing poetry and spent hours in nature, absorbing the energy.

When I returned from Los Angeles in 1972 after being stabbed in the back by an assailant, I became Executive Director of the Seaside Chamber of Commerce and two years later became the Director of Sales at the Lodge at Pebble Beach, which is a gated community with golf courses overlooking the Pacific.

To the south of Carmel is the Highlands and Point Lobos, a state park with craggy cliffs, crashing ocean waves, and amazing vistas. The whole area feels like heaven to me. I left Carmel in 1965 to expand and grow in Orange County and Los Angeles. I met my soulmate, John Teressi, in 1969. In the 1980s, I lived in the San Francisco Bay area, where I got involved in the emerging high-tech industry in Silicon Valley. Yet, of all the places I have lived and visited, Carmel holds my heart.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘The Power of Wholeness’?

I wanted to focus on one thing, one purpose to leave as a legacy to help humanity. When I was stabbed in the parking garage and thought I was dying, a statement came to my mind that surprised me. I said to myself, “Dear God, if I should live, please make me an instrument of your peace.” I have been attempting to be that instrument of peace throughout my years in business and community organizing. I used the concept of integrating our subpersonalities with individuals, integrating and uniting departments in corporations, and bringing together business, education, tourism, ecology, and local government in communities.

I want the information in The Power of Wholeness to become widespread. I would like it to be taught in schools, used in business and governmental agencies, and initiated in governments and the United Nations.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘The Power of Wholeness’?

It took about six months, but the information had been touched upon in my other books, and I had added insights to my notes and journals for many years. Writing my book required many edits, and my life partner, John Teressi, graciously volunteered to help with the editing process. He believes in creating a feeling of flow in the words and the structure. I also used Grammarly, which is a gift for any writer. It was challenging to look at the material over and over again, but I know that the book is now quite complete.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

My books are available on Amazon. Some are on Barnes and Noble also.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘The Power of Wholeness’.

The name “The Power of Wholeness” came to me intuitively. It popped into my head. John immediately loved the title, which is a big deal, because he is a natural critic. I looked up that name on Amazon and found that it was part of some titles, but it wasn’t used as a distinct title. I had always thought I wanted a picture of a pirate ship on the cover to go with my first book’s title, “Ending the Battle Within.”

I like the idea that we think we are “Captain of our ship, Master of our Fate. But I see it as a Pirate Ship, and the Crew is Planning Mutiny.” Thus, I came up with the idea of a pirate ship on the cover.

John pronounced a resounding “No!” He suggested instead that I create a sophisticated, beautiful cover to go with the message. I asked the AI image generator on Canva to create some mandalas for the cover. And I particularly liked the one I chose with the pink and turquoise. It represents a symbol of nature and wholeness, somewhat like a Native American image might be. The soft yellow background cover was to infer the warmth of the sun shining on us.

Q9. When writing a book, how do you keep things fresh for both your readers and also yourself?

Often I begin to hear what I need to write next. Whether it is a chapter, adding a sub-head, a chart, an image, or an example will come to mind, and I sit down to write or look up pictures. Sometimes I receive a message when I wake up and hurry to write down on paper what I am hearing. Often it is when I am in the shower, taking a walk, or gardening.

If none of this is happening, I ask questions related to the topic. I love asking questions. Then I start to write what I think the answers are and continue asking, answering, and opening to new ideas and new ways of thinking. I also do research to see what others are saying about the subject and then see how I can add to it.

Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?

Try to keep what you are conveying clear, concise, descriptive, and energized! Make sure the sentences and paragraphs flow when you read them out loud.

Posted on

Interview with author Briar Hex

1. Please introduce yourself so that the readers will get to know you better. 

I live in the Midwest with my husband and daughter. My favorite holiday is Halloween.

2. What is your inspiration behind your book “Cupcake’s Magical Christmas”?

I was have a conversation about A Christmas Story and the person asked me to tell them a story.

3. When did you realize you want to be an author?

Ever since school I’ve loved creating stories.

4. Please tell us something about your book “Cupcake’s Magical Christmas”?

Cupcake is someone I hope little girls can learn from about love.

5. For which age group is your book “Cupcake’s Magical Christmas” suitable for?

Babies to 10 years old

6. What is your favorite Quote?

“A satisfied life is better than a successful life. Because our success is measured by others. But our satisfaction is measured by our own soul, mind & heart!”

7. What do you like the most about your country?

Many beautiful places to explore

8. What suggestion do you want to give to parents of little readers regarding a reading habit? 

Reading to your children starting when they are born will help a child’s verbal development.

9. What does literary success look like to you?

Having others excited to buy my book.

10. Lastly, who is your inspiration in life and why?

My daughter and husband make me want to be better than I was the day before!

Buy Cupcake’s Magical Christmas on Amazon

Posted on

Interview with author Robin Michaels

Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.

Hi! My name is Robin Michaels and I’m excited to be featured today. I’m originally from Connecticut but have lived in Atlanta for the last 12 years. I love to travel, read, and visit local coffee shops in search of the best lavender latter there is. I work full-time in addition to being a writer, having spent years in the sports and event marketing industry. Writing has become a new passion of mine and I look forward to the journey it will take me on!

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “The Bonds We Break”?

Being a new author, I often felt out of my element, comparing myself to my favorite authors. Writer’s block got the best of me more times than I felt I should have, but I had to have grace with myself since this is a brand new endeavor. The comparison trap is real in so many facets, but it was a mental challenge to build myself up and believe that I’m just as talented and have a voice like everyone else.

Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

I love to read other thrillers. Riley Sager, Lucy Foley, and Lisa Jewel are all at the top of my list of authors I ran out and got their new book. Alice Feeney’s “Rock, Paper, Scisors” is hands down one of my favorites that I’ve read in the last few years. I didn’t see that twist coming at all and thoroughly enjoyed diving into that one.

Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

My favorite place is Cape Cod, Mass. I grew up vacationing there, so it brings back so many fond childhood memories. There’s something about the seawater air on a crisp summer night, that rejuvenates me. Living in Atlanta now, I don’t get back there much but still love to visit when given the opportunity.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘The Bonds We Break’?

A couple of years ago my father passed away after a long health battle and after taking that first year to grieve and give myself grace to mourn in any fashion I needed to, I found that I had this pent-up energy that I needed to put towards something creative. I had always felt like I would have grand ideas but no follow-through, so I was looking for an outlet that would allow me to continue the healing journey while also challenging me. I thought I would explore writing, as my dad dabbled in it for a while too. One day I got an email from an alumni group at my undergrad university and it sparked the idea of the plot, and here we are now, with my first published book!

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘The Bonds We Break’?

I started it in April of 2022, finished the first draft by December, then went into editing. Overall from start to publication day, it was 15 months.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and Apple Books. They can also request it from any independent bookstore as well.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘The Bonds We Break’?

Since the events of the book take place at an alumni reunion and a general theme is centered on friendships and broken friendships, I wanted the title to reflect those two elements. There’s a line in the book that is almost like a mantra for the alumni, that comes from their alma mater – “Bonds Strong ‘Til The End” and the book explores if those bonds we make in college are truly unbreakable. What would you do for your best friends? That was also reflected on the cover – the shattering of glass and falling to the floor, the dropping of a champagne bottle, all symbolizing something so fragile being broken.

Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

For myself, I try to mix up where I’m writing. I had a favorite spot – Pop’s Coffee, to do most of my writing, but sometimes I would need to mix up the scenery. I also made sure that I gave myself time away from writing so that I could experience life around me and get inspired by conversations that my friends and I had or nuances that I wanted to build into a character. For the readers, I think the changing of perspectives in my book keeps the story moving. You travel back in time as well, so there’s a lot of back and forth that helps to build the story without being confusing.

Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?

Not everyone is going to like the story, and that’s ok. There are plenty of times that I’ve started to read something and I just can’t get into it, but that doesn’t mean someone else doesn’t love it. I’m creating something for myself in the end, and my hope is the masses will like it, but at the end of the day, I did this for me and that’s good enough!

Buy The Bonds We Break on Amazon

Posted on

Interview with author Susannah Marren

Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.

A. I write both fiction and nonfiction books, focusing on how diverse women are positioned in society, what they long for and how they navigate a path in a patriarchal culture. I am interested in what women feel as mothers, sisters, daughters, wives, exes, friends, rivals, and lovers.

I have published thirteen nonfiction books under my real name, Susan Shapiro Barash. These titles include: Tripping the Prom Queen, The Nine Phases of Marriage and A Passion for More: Affairs that Make or Break Us. I have published four novels under my pen name, Susannah Marren. These titles are: Between the Tides, A Palm Beach Wife, A Palm Beach Scandal and my new novel, Maribelle’s Shadow.

I have been featured in newspapers, including The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, New York Post and Chicago Tribune, and I’ve been a guest on the Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS, CNN and MSNBC. For over twenty years I taught in the Writing Department at Marymount Manhattan College and have guest taught creative nonfiction at the Writing Institute at Sarah Lawrence College.

I served as a literary panelist for the New York State Council on the Arts, as a judge for the International Emmys, and as Vice Chair of the Mentoring Committee of the Women’s Leadership Board at the JFK School of Government, Harvard.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Maribelle’s Shadow”?

A. Maribelle’s Shadow is a story that has been with me for a long while. I’ve written several different versions over the years, always knowing the beginning and the end. This is a story of three adult sisters and their mother and so my ongoing research on sisters (having written a book called Sisters: Devoted or Divided and my study/book about mothers and daughters called You’re Grounded Forever but First Let’s Go Shopping), resonated with this narrative. While writing this latest version, I knew it should be told through the three sisters’ eyes, in their three voices. Thus the book alternates between Maribelle, Caroline and Raleigh. It is a suspense story and I wanted it to move quickly. I was conscious of what constitutes a page turner.

Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

A. I love to read different styles of fiction and nonfiction, from different eras. I am influenced by dramatic stories about women. Among this group for the classics, I admire the work of the Bronte sisters, Edith Wharton, Jane Austen, Thomas Mann’s novel, Buddenbrooks, Kate Chopin’s The Awakening, Contemporary fiction that has influenced me includes novels by Isabel Allende, Margaret Atwood, Amy Bloom, Marion Keyes, Jo Jo Moyes, Joanna Trollope and Bruce Wagner. For nonfiction, I have admired the work of Betty Friedan, Gloria Steinem, Cheryl Strayed, Elizabeth Gilbert.

Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

A. There are a few places that are special to me. I love New York City. It is the energy and the amount of culture that is offered, the diversity and constant curiosity that one always senses. It is a large and vibrant place in every way. The museums: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, MOMA, the Frick, Guggenheim and Whitney, make it memorable. I also love South Florida—the Palm Beach/ West Palm Beach/ Lake Worth area. They are beautiful and inviting. I grew up on a barrier island on the Jersey Shore called Long Beach Island. The beaches and ocean there are pristine and wide, it is an exquisite place.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘Maribelle’s Shadow’?

A. I was inspired by watching sisters and wondering what lurks beneath. This includes my mother and her two older sisters and friends who have sisters. The sister bond is so strong and striking that when it goes wrong it is haunting and profound. What can come between sisters, what can drive a wedge, where does the mother fit into these scenarios? I applied this to Maribelle’s Shadow, asking what loyalty is, what is betrayal, why the lies and at what price. How could sisters who were once so close be at odds? Why would a mother play favorites? I had written a book/study on why women keep secrets and lie for the cause, titled Little White Lies, Deep Dark Secrets: the Truth about Why Women Lie, and what I uncovered was stunning. I knew it could apply to the Barrows sisters, who are the characters in Maribelle’s Shadow.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Maribelle’s Shadow’?

A. All in, for the final published version, it took two years.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A. Readers can buy my book in trade paperback, ebook, and kindle.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Maribelle’s Shadow’?

A. This is the third book in my Palm Beach novels trilogy. The first two are A Palm Beach Wife and A Palm Beach Scandal. Originally this book had ‘Palm Beach’ in the title too and then the publisher, my agent and I discussed it. We thought maybe a departure in terms of the title and the jacket design was in order. Since what happened to Maribelle’s young handsome husband, Samuel, is at the center of the book, we chose the jacket design for its mysterious elements and decided her name would work well for a title. Btw, each of these three novels is a stand alone book. They do not need to be read in any order.

Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

A. When I write fiction I feel as if I’m in a movie in my own mind.The story is mine to tell and feels original and fresh for that reason. As I write I consider the reader and her/his takeaway. I favor surprise endings because despite that we are all raised as ‘good girls’, meaning we are encouraged to believe if we do the right thing, we’ll get the right result, life is messy, especially for women. My characters have some unpredictable challenges ahead, and they learn that there are no guarantees. How each sister and their mother approach the fall out of Samuel’s unexpected death is what drives the story.

Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?

A. I have been given sound advice by my mentors and it is the same advice that I would give an aspiring writer. To write no matter what, to make time for it and to believe in yourself and the books you are writing. Never give up.

Buy Maribelle’s Shadow on Amazon

Posted on

Interview with author Destiny De Jesus

  1. Please introduce yourself so that the readers will get to know you better.

A diagnosed Retinoblastoma that was atypical for her age magnified the then 11-year-old Destiny Flood-DeJesus’s challenge of being a preteen. Now an adult and cancer-free for 20 years, Destiny didn’t want other kids in similar situations to look far to read about someone who looked or came from similar backgrounds as them.

  1. What is your inspiration behind your book “A Little Superhero Fights Cancer”?

When Destiny, a mixed-race Latina, was treated for cancer, her parents couldn’t find books or websites that would explain her illness to her in language a young person could understand. There was no one at home to tell her what to expect or live with the limitations of being a sick kid.

  1. When did you realize you want to be an author?

In a way, Destiny still feels like that little girl and hopes with her story – her book – that other kids know it’s ok to be afraid if they’re sick. It’s ok to be silly and dance one minute and be scared the next.

  1. Please tell us something about your book “A Little Superhero Fights Cancer”?

“A Little Superhero Fights Cancer” is a deeply personal book that chronicles my own journey of battling cancer at the tender age of 11. In this heartfelt children’s book, I share my story of resilience, strength, and hope, aiming to inspire and support other children who may be facing similar challenges.

Through the eyes of a little superhero, readers are taken on a courageous adventure, witnessing the ups and downs of a cancer battle. The book emphasizes the importance of bravery, determination, and the unwavering support of loved ones throughout the healing process.

By sharing my personal experience, I aim to provide comfort and encouragement to young readers who may be undergoing their own cancer treatments or supporting someone they care about. The book serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, we all possess a superhero within us, capable of fighting against the toughest challenges life throws our way.

  1. For which age group is your book “A Little Superhero Fights Cancer” suitable for?

“A Little Superhero Fights Cancer” is a book that caters to a wide range of audiences and is suitable for various age groups. It offers something for everyone.

For young readers who are able to read independently, the book provides an empowering and relatable story of a little superhero facing and overcoming the challenges of cancer. It is written in a language that is accessible and engaging for children, allowing them to connect with the protagonist’s journey and find inspiration in their own lives.

For parents or caregivers, the book serves as a valuable tool to read and discuss with their children. It opens up conversations about cancer, illness, and resilience, fostering understanding and empathy in young minds. By reading together, parents can support and comfort their children, addressing any questions or concerns that may arise.

Moreover, “A Little Superhero Fights Cancer” can also be a resource for adults seeking information, support, and resources related to cancer. It offers insights into the emotional and physical challenges faced by those battling cancer, providing a source of comfort, hope, and encouragement for individuals on their own cancer journey or those supporting someone they care about.

By encompassing multiple perspectives and addressing various age groups, the book aims to create a shared experience that unites readers of different backgrounds and ages. It emphasizes the importance of community, understanding, and compassion in the face of adversity.

In summary, “A Little Superhero Fights Cancer” is a book that transcends age boundaries and speaks to the hearts of young readers, parents, and adults alike. It provides a platform for learning, healing, and finding solace in the midst of life’s challenges.

  1. What is your favorite Quote?

The quote “what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger” may indeed come across as cheesy or cliché, but it carries a profound and true significance. While its origins can be traced back to Friedrich Nietzsche, its essence resonates with the human experience of overcoming adversity and growing stronger in the process.

At first glance, the quote suggests that surviving difficult or challenging experiences can lead to personal growth and resilience. It acknowledges that life can present us with hardships, obstacles, and even traumatic events that test our strength and resilience. These trials may range from physical illness to emotional struggles, from setbacks in our careers to personal losses.

When we encounter such challenges and manage to endure them, we often find ourselves transformed in some way. We tap into our inner reservoirs of strength, courage, and determination that we may not have realized were within us. We learn valuable lessons about our own capabilities and discover untapped potential, which ultimately enables us to face future difficulties with greater resolve.

Moreover, these experiences can shape our character, building empathy, compassion, and understanding. They offer an opportunity for personal reflection and growth, allowing us to reevaluate our priorities, values, and goals. The adversity we face becomes a catalyst for self-discovery and personal development.

While the quote may not guarantee that every difficult experience will result in immediate and evident growth, it reminds us to find meaning in our struggles. It urges us to view challenges not as insurmountable barriers but as opportunities for growth, learning, and self-improvement.

However, it is important to note that the quote should not undermine or dismiss the genuine pain, suffering, or trauma that individuals may endure. It is not meant to diminish the gravity of difficult experiences but rather to emphasize the potential for personal growth and strength that can arise from them.

(Fun Fact) I also have this as a tattoo on me. 🙂

  1. What do you like the most about your country?

I appreciate the diversity and cultural richness that exists in America.

  1. What suggestion do you want to give to parents of little readers regarding a reading habit?
    Developing a reading habit in children is a wonderful way to foster their imagination, curiosity, and language skills. Maybe Create a Reading-Friendly Environment. By designating a cozy reading corner or a special reading nook in their home where their child can retreat to immerse themselves in books. Make sure it’s well-stocked with a variety of age-appropriate books that cater to their interests and reading level.
  2. What does literary success look like to you?
    Literary success, to me, transcends traditional measures of fame or fortune. It resides in the profound impact a book can have on a person’s life, even if it touches just one individual. For me, true success lies in making a genuine difference in someone’s heart, mind, or soul through the power of storytelling.

As an author, my deepest hope is that my book touches the lives of many readers, inviting them into a world where they find solace, inspiration, or a renewed sense of hope. If my words can evoke emotions, spark introspection, or provide comfort to even a single person, I consider that a triumph.

Literary success means forging a connection, reaching beyond the pages to touch the depths of a reader’s being. It’s about creating a profound impact that lingers long after the book is closed, stirring conversations, sparking newfound perspectives, or even encouraging personal growth.

Whether my words provide an escape from reality, shed light on unexplored truths, or offer a fresh perspective on life’s challenges, I aspire to make a positive difference in someone’s life. Knowing that my book has resonated with even a solitary reader and touched their heart is a testament to the power of storytelling, and to me, it signifies true success.

  1. Lastly, who is your inspiration in life and why?

My inspiration in life is deeply rooted in my own personal journey as a young cancer survivor. When I reflect on my childhood battle with a rare form of cancer, I realize that I lacked the resources and support that would have helped me navigate the emotional and confusing aspects of my illness. It is from this perspective, the little me who longed for guidance and understanding, that my inspiration stems.

Writing “A Little Superhero Fights Cancer” became my way of giving back to all the other brave young souls like me, who faced the ugliness and messiness of cancer. I wanted to create something that would provide comfort, guidance, and hope to these little superheroes going through their own difficult times. The inspiration for my book comes from the desire to be the big me that the little me needed back then.

Cancer is a formidable opponent, and its impact on a child can be particularly overwhelming. Through my book, I aim to offer a resource that can help young readers navigate the emotional complexities of their own battles. By sharing my personal story, I hope to provide them with a sense of understanding, resilience, and the knowledge that they are not alone.

The true inspiration behind my work lies in the countless Destinys, Jacobs, and Emilys out there—children who confront the harsh realities of cancer. They are the reason I poured my heart into this book. My aspiration is that “A Little Superhero Fights Cancer” serves as a guiding light, a companion, and a source of strength for all those young superheroes who need something to help them through their difficult times.

My inspiration is firmly grounded in the belief that every child facing cancer deserves support, understanding, and the reassurance that they possess an inner strength capable of overcoming even the toughest challenges. It is for them that I wrote this book, hoping to make their journey a little brighter and their burdens a little lighter.

Buy book on Amazon

Posted on

Interview with author Lakota Meyer

Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.

A1. My name is Lakota Meyer, I’m an artist / illustrator from Missouri about and hour south from St Louis.

I’ve spent the last decade doing freelance art and design for individuals, businesses, bands and galleries. I’m married to a wonderful woman and we’ve got three artistic children.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “The Liverwurst Tree and Other Stories”?

A2. The 2 key challenges I faced with this book was procrastinating on the publication process and making sure the poems were evergreen.

There were a handful of poems that I had to cut from the book simply because the humored relied too much on todays pop culture and I’m hoping that what I wrote will be something people 20 years from now can pick up and chuckle at.
As far as the procrastination; I just wasn’t sure if I wanted to add more stuff to it or not. The book was finished 2 years before I published it finally I had to accept that if there was something to add I would have done it by now…a lot of it was just nerves due to it being my first book I think.

Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

This book was absolutely inspired by books like Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein and The Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy by Tim Burton.

Other authors that inspire me are Neil Gaiman, Stephen King and Robert McCammon.

Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

I’m torn between Estes Park Colorado and Marquette Michigan. I love the Mountains but there’s just something about the vibe of Michigan’s upper peninsula that felt like home.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘The Liverwurst Tree and Other Stories’?

The book itself started as a silly illustration I did in 2016. It was the illustration from the titular poem and I jokingly posted it online saying, “hey look, it’s the title of my first kids book.”

But the more I looked at the picture the more I actually wanted to write a book with similar art and stupid titles and poems. Problem was I had never written poetry so it kind of died right there until 2018 during a long business meeting for the company I was working for I started just writing lines for the Liverwurst Tree Poem and it was coming out alright and I found out I really enjoyed the process. It was like a brain game.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘The Liverwurst Tree and Other Stories’?

I think I’m total it only took me a couple months to write the book and the handful of poems that didn’t make the cut. It took another couple months to draw and redraw the illustrations. Formatting the book took the longest. Trying to figure out where to put the pictures and how many pages I wanted each poem to take up, where to place each poem in the book. Then after that I just sat on it for waaay too long.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

Right now the book is only available on Amazon. I will have copies available in book stores soon and a website as well.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘The Liverwurst Tree and Other Stories’?

The Title of the book I chose just because that poem was the catalyst for the rest of the book. The cover of the book was inspired by old children’s book covers like Whinnie the Pooh. I wanted it to be a bit jarring when you saw the cutesy cover of the book and then opened it to see the real illustrations inside.

Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

I had a lot of fun writing each piece of the book and I think as long as I’m having fun that will come through for the reader.

Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?

Stop thinking about it and just do it. That goes with anything. Just start doing it.

Buy The Liverwurst Tree and Other Stories on Amazon

Design a site like this with WordPress.com
Get started